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National PTA and GoFundMe #ThankATeacher to Honor the Important Contributions of Educators Nationwide

May 2-6 Marks Teacher Appreciation Week to Celebrate These Real-Life Superheroes and Spotlight Their Impact on the Lives and Futures of Our Nation's Children

ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwired - May 02, 2016) - Teachers touch the lives of millions of children every day, and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. To thank, support and elevate teachers and the important contributions they make, National PTA and GoFundMe encourage everyone to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6) and National Teacher Day (May 3).

"Teachers are real life superheroes. They make an immense difference in the well-being and long-term success of children nationwide," said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. "As a parent, I know firsthand the profound impact that teachers have on the lives and futures of students. It is important that we honor and thank them for the countless hours they spend and steadfast efforts they make to ensure every child reaches his or her full potential -- in school and beyond."

During Teacher Appreciation Week, everyone is urged to recognize and thank these real-life superheroes by:

Sharing a photo or story of a special teacher in their life on social media with the hashtag #ThankATeacher

Sending heartfelt letters, cards and messages of appreciation

Creating artwork, poems and video messages

Recognizing teachers with awards

Decorating schools and teacher's lounges

Hosting surprise assemblies and other events

Volunteering in classrooms and giving back to teachers

Also as part of Teacher Appreciation Week, anyone can start a GoFundMe "Thank A Teacher" fundraising campaign and garner donations from communities across the nation to help provide critical classroom supplies and materials. GoFundMe will make matching donations of $100 each to campaigns that benefit teachers and students. To be eligible for the matched donation:

GoFundMe campaign must be created by May 8 and include #ThankATeacher in the description

$100 in total donations must be raised

At least five individual donors must contribute to the campaign by May 13

"Our teachers give so much and often spend their own money to ensure their students have access to supplies and resources and receive the best possible education," said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. "It is vital that teachers have our support, and that we give back to them. We encourage everyone to start a GoFundMe campaign and be a superhero for a teacher."

National PTA has designated the first week of May as Teacher Appreciation Week since 1984.

For more information about Teacher Appreciation Week, visit PTA.org/ThankATeacher. You can also view a special video message from National PTA President Bay and National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen García.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.